In honour of Singapore’s Founding Prime Minister Mr Lee Kuan Yew’s 90th birthday, the Chinese community – comprising of Singapore Federation of Chinese Clan Associations (SFCCA), Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SCCCI) and Business China – came together to jointly organise a celebratory dinner for Mr Lee to pay tribute to his invaluable contributions to Singapore’s Chinese community and development of Sino-Singapore relations.
A visionary leader whose extraordinary wisdom and foresight paved the way for close bilateral ties between Singapore and China, Mr Lee also saw the importance for Singaporeans to be bilingual and bicultural. His emphasis on these enabled Singapore to ride on China’s success as the global economic gravity gradually shifts to the east.
Some 800 guests, including several senior Cabinet members, attended the event at the Shangri-la Hotel, Singapore. Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean, Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong, Speaker of Parliament Halimah Yacob and Chinese Ambassador Duan Jielong were among the dignitaries who graced the dinner on 5th September. Mr Lee Kuan Yew was represented by his son Mr Lee Hsien Yang.
In recognition of Mr Lee’s exceptional contributions and commitment towards fostering Singapore and China bilateral ties, he was presented with the “Business China Lifetime Achievement Award”. The award was received on his behalf by Mr Lee Hsien Yang. In relation to the Award, a commemorative book entitled “Lee Kwan Yew and Singapore-China Relation”, commissioned by Business China, was also unveiled. This limited edition book documents significant milestones in the development of Sino-Singapore ties, showcasing Mr Lee’s relationships with 5 generations of China’s leaders, as well as his 33 visits to China within a span of approximately 40 years. Many photos featured in the book were never before published.
Mr Chua Thian Poh, President of SFCCA, Honorary President of SCCCI and Chairman of Business China, represented the three Chinese community organisations to deliver the welcome address. In his speech, he said, “Mr Lee Kuan Yew, our Founding Prime Minister, is undoubtedly one of the most visionary leaders of our times. His strong conviction, extraordinary foresight and great wisdom have transformed Singapore from a third world country to a modern global city. We are indebted to Mr Lee for all that he has done for Singapore.”
The celebratory dinner also featured a heart-warming birthday song specially composed and choreographed by the Singapore Hokkien Huay Kuan Arts and Cultural Troupe. This original 5-minute Chinese song performed by about 40 children paid tribute to Mr Lee through the narrative of a child in a story that spanned three generations. The performance received rave reviews from all guests. Guests were also invited to pen their well wishes for Mr Lee which were screened live throughout the evening. An exquisite gift in the form of a “liuli” art piece entitled “Glorious Benevolence” was jointly presented by the three Chinese community organisations in celebration of Mr Lee’s 90th birthday.